Yes, sharks can see. In the past, it was thought that sharks had very poor eyesight. However, we now know that sharks do, in fact, have really good eyesight.
In this article, we will take a look at how sharks see, if they can see in front of them and if sharks can see color.
Sharks can see, in fact, they can see quite well. While sharks might only be able to see in black and white, they can see very clearly.
Next, we will take a look at how sharks see.
How do sharks see?
Sharks have almost 360-degree vision, although they also have a few blind spots. Incredibly, these blind spots are located directly behind the head and in front of their snout. Nevertheless, sharks can see approximately 50 meters ahead. Amazingly, this helps the shark to see its prey once it has closed in on it.
Impressively, a shark’s eye is similar to eyes found on vertebrates. What this means is they have a cornea, iris, and a lens. Without a doubt, the tapetum lucidum is a highly important part of the shark’s eyes. Impressively, it helps the shark to see in low light and dark and murky waters.
The tapetum lucidum is found behind the retina. Impressively, it’s made up of mirrored crystals. In addition to this, when light travels through the shark’s retina it hits the crystals. Secondly, the light is reflected back into the retina. Amazingly, cat’s eyes behave this way too. This is why cat’s eyes and shark’s eyes look like they glow in the dark.
Without a doubt, the tapteum licidum is approximately twice as effective as a cat’s. What this means is a shark can see approximately 10 times better when there’s low light than humans can.
Can Sharks see in front of them?
Unquestionably, sharks can see in front of them. As we have already seen, they also have a few blind spots. Incredibly, these blind spots are located directly behind the head and in front of their snout. While this means they cannot see every single angle they still have a good range of sight.
This good range of sight allows the sharks to see their prey when the prey is close by. Undoubtedly, this helps the shark to be an even more efficient hunter.
Can sharks see in the dark?
As we have already seen, the tapetum lucidum is found behind the retina. Impressively, it’s made up of mirrored crystals. In addition to this, when light travels through the shark’s retina it hits the crystals. Secondly, the light is reflected back into the retina. Amazingly, cat’s eyes behave this way too. This is why cat’s eyes and shark’s eyes look like they glow in the dark.
Without a doubt, the tapteum licidum is is approximately twice as effective as a cat’s. What this means is a shark can see approximately 10 times better when there’s low light than humans can.
The amount of light a shark can see depends on their species. Some sharks can see better than others. A shark’s retina contains 2 types of photoreceptor cells. These cells are active when there is a lot of light. The rods are active when there’s less light.
Impressively, each species of shark has a different number of cells and rods.
Sharks have a lot of different senses that let them detect prey. They can detect electric currents and vibrations in the water. They can also detect chemical changes in the water. These senses help to compensate for the shark’s relatively poor vision.
How far do sharks see?
Sharks can see up to 50 meters in front of them. However, they also rely on other senses to help them find prey. This is why their sight is not a hugely important factor.
50 meters is enough for the sharks to notice their prey. They do not need to see much further than this thanks to their other senses.
Do sharks have eyelids?
Firstly, sharks do have eyelids. Secondly, they don’t use them the same way humans do. Sharks close their eyelids when prey is close. This is to protect their eyes when the prey is near. Secondly, when a shark closes its eyelids it does not close them completely. This is done they can still see their prey clearly.
Some species of sharks have an extra eyelid. This is known as a nictitating membrane. This membrane completely protects the eyes. Whale sharks and great white sharks don’t have this membrane. They can roll their eyes into their head to protect them. This makes the sharks look like they have white eyes.
When sharks sleep they do not close their eyelids as they have no need to.
Can sharks see color?
No, sharks can only see in black and white. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t have good vision. Sharks can see up to 50 meters in front of them. However, they also rely on other senses to help them find prey. This is why their sight is not a hugely important factor.
Sharks have vision which is monochromatic and ideally suited to their environment. Their focus is good and thought to be very sharp. This allows the shark to spot prey that’s close by.
Can Sharks see yellow?
Some sharks cannot see yellow despite the myths that say they can. Sharks can only see in black and white. Impressively, some sharks can see contrasts in colors. In other words, they can tell the difference between a dark and a light shade. Lighter shades like yellow, red, or orange can be seen by some sharks. These colors are easier to see against the surface of the water.
If you wish to spend time in the water you should refrain from wearing red, yellow, or orange. This is so you’re less attractive to certain species of shark.
Can Sharks See Patterns?
Yes, some sharks can see patterns. If a surfer, for example, were to wear a wet suit that contains patterns they could look less attractive to a shark. This is because many poisonous sea creatures have patterns. If you wear a patterned wet suit you could be further protected from a shark.
Can Great White Sharks See?
Yes. They have mirrored crystals behind their retinas. They let light pass through and bounce back into the retina. This means the shark can see more light. This also increases sensitivity and makes them a more efficient hunter.
Great White sharks can see well, even in murky waters. Great white sharks can see as much as 10 times better than humans. This makes them the ideal hunter. This is because their eyesight allows the shark to hone in on their prey. They can see their prey clearly and it means they can catch them easily.
Do Great White Sharks Roll Their Eyes Back?
Yes. They roll their eyes back to protect them while they’re feeding. This ensures that their prey cannot damage their eyes. In addition to this, Great White sharks have an eyelid that covers their eyes. This gives them even more protection while they are dining on their prey.
Great White sharks can often appear to have white eyes because they can roll them back in their head.